Kids are wiredto play.
It's how they heal, too.
Hi, I'm Melissa Barrett, LISW. Wired4Play is my own small, solo practice. When you reach out, you're talking with me, not a big agency or a call center. I help children, teens and families (and adults, too) through play, creativity and conversation.
- LISWLicensed Independent Social Worker, Iowa
- RSTRegistered Sandtray Therapist
- AUTPlayCertified in AUTPlay
- RPTRegistered Play Therapist (pending)
01Start
Start with a conversation, or jump right in.
Request a consultation
Have questions, or want to see if we're a good fit? Leave your name and the best way to reach you, and I'll get back to you to talk it through before you decide on an intake.
Ready to begin?Schedule an intake
Pick an intake appointment yourself in my secure SimplePractice client portal. Paperwork, reminders and payments are all handled there too.
02Approach
Play is a child's first language.
Kids often can't sit down and explain what's wrong, but they can show it. Toys, sand, art and games give them a safe way to work through big feelings and practice new skills at their own pace.
My theoretical foundation is Adlerian. I build from that base and take an integrative approach, drawing on other methods when they fit the child or family in front of me.
Adlerian theory looks at the whole person in the context of their relationships, and pays attention to things like belonging, encouragement and each person's strengths.
03Services
How we work together.
- A
Play Therapy
Play is how kids naturally communicate. Sessions use toys, games and creative materials so children can express feelings in their own language.
- B
Sandtray
Building scenes with miniature figures in a tray of sand: a hands-on way to show what can be hard to put into words.
- C
Expressive Arts
Drawing, painting and other creative work as a way to explore feelings and tell your story. No art skills needed.
- D
Talk Therapy
Good old-fashioned conversation, for older kids, teens, parents and adults who'd rather talk it out.
04Process
Three simple steps.
- 1
Reach out
Request a consultation, or schedule an intake directly in SimplePractice.
- 2
Paperwork online
Intake forms and consents are completed securely in SimplePractice, so there's nothing to print.
- 3
First session
We get to know each other, talk about what's going on, and set goals together.
Before the first visit
- Look at the office togetherA familiar room feels less new. Talk about what you see: the colors, the toys, the chairs.
- Use simple, honest words"We're going to meet Melissa. She helps kids with feelings, and her office has things to play with."
- Share the planLet your child know when you're going and where you'll be.
- Bring your questionsParents get to have questions too. Jot them down ahead of time.
05Who
Play therapy is my specialty. Everyone is welcome.
- Children
- Tweens
- Adolescents
- Parents
- Families
- Adults
- Credentials
- Licensed Independent Social Worker, Iowa · Registered Sandtray Therapist · Certified in AUTPlay · Registered Play Therapist (pending)
- Trained in
- Theraplay · Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) · Adlerian Play Therapy
- Also draws from
- DBT · CBT · Attachment-based work · Solution-focused therapy · AUTPlay
- Practice
- Solo private practice, separate from Melissa's work as a School Social Worker with the AEA.
06FAQ
Questions, answered.
Q1What is play therapy?
It's therapy that uses play, the way children naturally communicate, to help them express feelings, work through hard experiences and learn new skills. It's my main specialty.
Q2Do you only work with kids?
No. I work with children, tweens, adolescents, parents, families and adults. Play therapy is my specialty, and I also offer traditional talk therapy.
Q3What's the difference between a consultation and an intake?
A consultation is a chance to ask questions and see if we're a good fit. An intake is the first step to starting therapy, scheduled through SimplePractice.
Q4How do I pay and manage appointments?
Scheduling, paperwork, reminders and payments are handled through my secure SimplePractice client portal.
Q5Is this the same as school services?
No. Wired4Play is a separate private practice from my work as a School Social Worker with the AEA.
07Contact
Ready when you are.
Send a quick note and Melissa will reach out to talk it through. Ready now? Schedule an intake in SimplePractice.
If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. This practice can't respond to emergencies.